After the loss of soil in Premier League race for the title again, Arsenal they are now reportedly leading the race to sign the defender worth a hefty £50million.
Arsenal transfer news
Mikel ArtetaThe team was in high spirits ahead of Aston Villa’s visit. They closed the gap on Liverpool and the title race seemed to be back on. After Darwin Nunez scored two late goals for the Reds in a defeat by Brentford, the Gunners made another mistake as the Villans held to a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Now six points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand, Arsenal could turn to the transfer market in an attempt to close the gap once and for all in the coming months.
On that front, like Benjamin Šeško have already been mentioned. The RB Leipzig striker would instantly sharpen what was at times a rather dull Arsenal front line from open play. However, before they can focus on that front line, those in north London could reportedly welcome another defender.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are now favorites to sign Ousmane Diomande ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea, and the Sporting CP man would prefer a move to London.
He won’t come cheap though, with Sporting seeking between €50-60m (£42-51m) to sell their centre-back this month. Whether Arsenal will be able to match such a price remains to be seen, but those at the Emirates saw just how big a drop off can be inside that back line when William Saliba was unavailable against Aston Villa.
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Signing another defender may sound like an absurd idea amid their attacking struggles, but the Gunners need a player who can match the levels of Saliba and Gabriel in their absence.
A “complete” Diomande can provide crucial depth
Arsenal have been forced to cope without Saliba and Gabriel at various times all too often, and simply put, their bench options simply don’t share the same world-class quality as the duo – be it Riccardo Calafiori or Jakub Kiwior. In contrast, Diomande is a player destined to reach such a level whether he completes a move to Arsenal or elsewhere.
|
League statistics 24/25 (via FBref) |
Ousmane Diomande |
William Saliba |
Gabriel |
|---|---|---|---|
|
It starts |
15 |
20 |
20 |
|
Progressive additions |
47 |
68 |
90 |
|
Tackles won |
12 |
25 |
11 |
|
Ball recovery |
83 |
87 |
47 |
The numbers don’t lie and it’s clear that Diomande, as a 21-year-old defender, could easily become the future of Arsenal’s back line if they go for a win over Chelsea this month or in the summer transfer window.
Described as “complete” by Football talent scout Jacek KuligThe Sporting man will be one to watch as the season progresses. Another defensive boost could divide opinion at the Emirates, but Aston Villa exposed just how weak Arsenal are without adequate options to replace Saliba when he is injured.
